Armrest assembly for a resting device
A resting device assembly for supporting a person during a procedure includes a resting device and an armrest. The resting device supports the person during the treatment and includes a device frame. The armrest includes an arm support, a frame bracket, a frame pivot, and a support arm pivot. The arm support supports an arm of the person. The frame pivot connects the frame bracket to the device frame, and allows the frame bracket and the arm support to concurrently pivot relative to the device frame. The support arm pivot connects the arm support to the frame bracket and allows the arm support to pivot relative to the frame bracket. In certain embodiments, the two pivots of the armrest assembly allows for improved adjustability of the armrest. As a result thereof, the person is more comfortable during the manicure or other procedure.
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This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/721,382 filed on Sep. 27, 2005. The contents of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/721,382 are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUNDSalon chairs are commonly used in salons as a place for a person to sit while a procedure is being performed on that person. One type of procedure commonly done in a salon is a manicure treatment on the fingernails of the person. One type of salon chair includes an armrest assembly having a left armrest for supporting the left arm of the person during the manicure treatment on the left hand, and a right armrest for supporting the right arm of the person during the manicure treatment on the right hand.
It should be appreciated that every person is different in size and shape. Unfortunately, existing armrest assemblies do not provide an adequate range of adjustment so that people of different sizes can comfortable use the armrest assembly.
SUMMARYA resting device assembly for supporting a person during a procedure includes a resting device and a first armrest. The resting device supports the person during the treatment and includes a device frame. The first armrest includes an arm support, a frame bracket, a frame pivot, and a support arm pivot. The arm support supports an arm of the person. The frame pivot connects the frame bracket to the device frame, and allows the frame bracket and the arm support to concurrently pivot relative to the device frame. The support arm pivot connects the arm support to the frame bracket and allows the arm support to pivot relative to the frame bracket. In certain embodiments, the two pivots of the armrest assembly allows for improved adjustability of the armrest. As a result thereof, the person is more comfortable during the manicure or other procedure.
In one embodiment, the arm support including a hand end and an elbow end, and the support arm pivot connects to the arm support intermediate the hand end and the elbow end so that the hand end and the elbow end pivot about a support arm axis of rotation. For example, the support arm pivot can connect to the arm support approximately half way between the hand end and the elbow end.
In another embodiment, the arm support includes a first support area that supports the first arm near a hand of the first arm, a second support area that supports the arm near an elbow/forearm of the arm, and a support area pivot that allows the first support area to pivot relative to the second support area. Further, in this embodiment, the arm support can include a fluid bowl that retains a fluid, and the fluid bowl is secured to the arm support so that the first support area pivots relative to the fluid bowl. Moreover, the first support area can be pivotable between a first position in which the first support area covers the fluid bowl and a second position in which the first support area does not cover at least a portion of the fluid bowl. With this design, the fluid bowl is retained in a secure fashion. This reduces the likelihood of spilling any fluid from the fluid bowl.
Additionally, the arm support can include a support base having a base aperture for receiving the fluid bowl. This feature allows the fluid bowl to be easily inserted and removed from the arm support.
Moreover, in certain embodiments, the resting device is moveable between a seated position and a flat position.
The present invention is also directed to a method for supporting a person during a procedure. The method includes the steps of: (i) supporting the person with a resting device, the resting device including a device frame; (ii) providing an arm support that supports the arm; (iii) securing a device bracket to the device frame; (iv) providing a frame bracket; (v) connecting the frame bracket to the device bracket with a frame pivot that allows the frame bracket and the arm support to concurrently pivot relative to the device frame; and (vi) connecting the arm support to the frame bracket with a support arm pivot that that allows the arm support to pivot relative to the frame bracket.
The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
As an overview, in certain embodiments, the armrest assembly 14 allows for improved adjustability of the armrests 14A, 14B. As a result thereof, the person 15 is more comfortable during the manicure procedure. Further, the armrest assembly 14 retains a fluid bowl 232 (illustrated in
In
In
The lower device frame 220 is rigid and engages the surface 16 (illustrated in
The upper device frame 222 is rigid. In
The frame mover moves the upper device frame 222 and the padded region 224 up and down relative to the surface 16. With this design, the height of the person 15 (illustrated in
The padded region 224 provides a cushioned area for the person to rest upon. In
The region mover assembly 226 moves one or more of the regions 226A-226C relative to the upper device frame 222 to move the padded region 224 between the seated position and the flat bed position. For example, the region mover assembly 226 can include one or more electrical motors and/or linkages. Alternatively, the regions 226A-226C can be moved manually and/or the resting device 12 can be designed so that the regions 226A-226C do not move relative to the upper device frame 222.
The armrest assembly 14 provides a place to rest the arms 15A, 15B (illustrated in
The design of each armrest 14A, 14B can vary. In
In one embodiment, each arm support 18 includes a support area 230A and a support base 230B. In this embodiment, the support area 230A provides a padded area for resting the respective arm 15A, 15B of the person 15 to minimize pressure points on the respective arm 15A, 15B.
The support base 230B provides a rigid region for supporting the support area 230A and coupling the arm support 18 to the armrest frame assembly 228. In
Additionally, as discussed above, the support area 230A can include the first support area 18C that supports the elbow/forearm area 15D of the person 15, and the second support area 18D that supports the hand area 15C of the person 15. In this embodiment, each support area 18C, 18D includes a pad, such as foam, that covered with a durable, water resistant, resilient material, such as leather or vinyl.
Moreover, in one embodiment, each arm support 18 can include a fluid bowl 232 (only partly shown in
Further, in
For each arm support 18, the armrest frame assembly 228 secures the arm support 18 to the resting device 12, and allows for movement of the arm support 18 relative to the resting device 12 to allow the person 15 to easily enter onto or exit from the resting device 12, and allows the arm supports 18 to be positioned to meet the size of the person 15.
In one embodiment, each armrest frame assembly 228 includes (i) a device bracket 238, (ii) a frame bracket 240, (iii) a frame pivot 242 (one is illustrated in phantom), and (iv) a support arm pivot 244 (one is illustrated in phantom). The design of each of these components can be varied pursuant to the teachings provided herein to provide the desired level of adjustability.
The device bracket 238 is rigid and is fixedly secured to the resting device 12. In
The frame bracket 240 is rigid and extends between the device bracket 238 and the support base 230B. In
The frame pivot 242 connects the frame bracket 240 to the device bracket 238 and allows the frame bracket 240 and the arm support 18 to concurrently pivot relative to the device bracket 238 and the resting device 12 about a frame axis of rotation 242A. The design of the frame pivot 242 can vary. In
The support arm pivot 244 connects the arm support 18 to the frame bracket 240 and allows the arm support 18 to pivot relative to the frame bracket 240 about a support arm axis of rotation 244A. The design of the support pivot 244 can vary. In
In one embodiment, the support pivot 244 connects to the arm support 18 intermediate the hand end 18A and the elbow end 18B so that the hand end 18A and the elbow end 18B pivot about the support arm axis of rotation 244A. In certain embodiments, the support pivot 244 connects to the arm support 18 approximately half way between the hand end 18A and the elbow end 18B. Stated in another fashion, support pivot 244 allows the hand support area 18D and the elbow/forearm support area 18C to pivot about the support arm axis of rotation 244A.
As discussed in more detail below, because each armrest 14A, 14B pivots at two locations, the arm supports 18 can be moved and positioned over a relatively wide range to easily and comfortably support different sized persons 15.
Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in
With this design, the armrests 14A, 14B can be easily moved between the closed position 452A (positioned to support the arms of the person in a natural and comfortable posture), and the open position 452C (swung out of the way to allow the person to easily get on and get off the resting device 12).
The amount of rotation between the closed position 452A and the fully open position 452C can be varied to achieve the design requirements of the resting device assembly 10. In alternative, non-exclusive embodiments, the arm support 18 can be rotated about the frame pivot 242 between the closed position 452A and the fully open position 452C approximately 20, 30, 45, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 180 degrees.
The support arm pivot 244 is also illustrated in
In certain embodiments, because each of the armrests 14A, 14B pivot at two locations, namely at the frame pivot 242 and the support arm pivot 244, the arm supports 18 can be precisely positioned and rotated to comfortably support different sized persons 15 (illustrated in
The adjustability range between the width configurations 554A, 554B can be varied to suit the design requirements of the resting device assembly 10. In one, non-exclusive example, if the resting device 12 has a device width 558 of approximately thirty inches, the support arm pivots 244 of the arm supports 18 can be spaced apart a narrow support width 560A of approximately twenty-six inches at the narrow configuration 554A, and the support arm pivots 244 of the arm supports 18 can be spaced apart a wide support width 560B of approximately forty inches at the wide configuration 554B. Thus, the arm supports can be inside of the width of the resting device 12 and outside the width of the resting device 12.
Stated in another fashion, the width between the arm support and as a percentage of the width of the chair can be adjusted to be approximately 50, 70, 100, and 125.
In
Further, because the hand support area 18D is moved instead of the fluid bowl 232 and the fluid bowl 232 is securely retained by the support base 230B, the likelihood of spilling the fluid 232A from the fluid bowl 232 is reduced.
In one embodiment, the support base 230B includes a base aperture 762 that is sized and shaped to receive a portion the fluid bowl 232. Further, in this embodiment, the fluid bowl 232 can include a bowl lip 764 that allows the fluid bowl 232 to be grasped for easy removal of the fluid bowl 232.
Additionally, in one embodiment, the support base 230B includes a lower base aperture cover 766 that protects from the bottom so that accidental contact with the bottom of the arm support 18 will not push the bowl 232 upward or disturb the contents. In one embodiment, the bowl 232 can be supported and protected by a solid surface of the base aperture cover 766. Alternatively, the bowl 232 can be support by the bowl lip 764.
Further, the base aperture cover 766 can include a cover slot 768 that allows access the bottom of the bowl 232 so that the bottom of the bowl 232 can be pushed upward for ease of removal.
In this embodiment, the support base 830B again includes the base aperture 862 that is sized and shaped to receive a portion the fluid bowl 832. Further, in this embodiment, the fluid bowl 832 can includes a bowl lip 864 and a booster lip 864B that allows the fluid bowl 832 to be grasped for easy removal of the fluid bowl 832. In certain embodiments, the bowl lip 864 is relatively small, e.g. extending approximately 1/16 of an inch. In this embodiment, the booster lip 864B encircles a tubular section 832A of the fluid bowl 832 and the booster lip 864B extends outward approximately ½ inch outward. With this design, the booster lip 864B can engage the support base 830B to support the fluid bowl 832. Basically, the booster lip 864B allows for a relatively large base aperture 862 to be used (for example approximately % clearance between base aperture 862 and the tubular section 832A) for easy sliding of the fluid bowl 832 into and out of the base aperture 862. Further, the booster lip 864B provides an area to easily grab the fluid bowl 832. For example, the booster lip 864B can have a generally annular ring shape and can be made of a resilient material. Further, the booster lip 864B can slide over the bottom of the tubular section 832A up against the bowl lip 864.
While the current invention is disclosed in detail herein, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown.
Claims
1. A resting device assembly for supporting a person during a procedure, the person having a first arm, the resting device assembly comprising:
- a resting device that supports the person during the treatment, the resting device including a device frame; and
- a first armrest including (i) an arm support that supports the first arm, the arm support including a first support area that supports the first arm near a hand of the first arm, a second support area that supports the first arm near an elbow/forearm of the first arm, and a support area pivot that allows the first support area to pivot relative to the second support area, (ii) a frame bracket, (iii) a frame pivot that connects the frame bracket to the device frame, the frame pivot allowing the frame bracket and the arm support to concurrently pivot relative to the device frame, (iv) a support arm pivot that connects the arm support to the frame bracket, the support arm pivot allowing the arm support to pivot relative to the frame bracket, and (v) a fluid bowl that retains a fluid, the fluid bowl being secured to the arm support so that the first support area pivots relative to the fluid bowl.
2. The resting device assembly of claim 1 wherein the arm support including a hand end and an elbow end, and the support arm pivot connects to the arm support intermediate the hand end and the elbow end so that the hand end and the elbow end pivot about a support arm axis of rotation.
3. The resting device assembly of claim 2 wherein the support arm pivot connects to the arm support approximately half way between the hand end and the elbow end.
4. The resting device assembly of claim 1 wherein the first support area is pivotable between a first position in which the first support area covers the fluid bowl and a second position in which the first support area does not cover at least a portion of the fluid bowl.
5. The resting device assembly of claim 1 wherein the arm support includes a support base, wherein the fluid bowl slides into a base aperture in the support base, and wherein the fluid bowl includes a tubular section and a booster lip that extends away from the tubular section, the booster lip engaging the support base to support the fluid bowl.
6. The resting device assembly of claim 1 wherein the resting device is moveable between a seated position and a flat position.
7. A resting device assembly for supporting a person during a procedure, the person having a first arm and a second arm, the resting device assembly comprising:
- a resting device that supports the person during the treatment, the resting device including a device frame; and
- a first armrest that is secured to the resting device, the first armrest including (i) an arm support that supports the first arm, the arm support including a padded support area having a first support area that supports the first arm near a hand of the first arm, a second support area that supports the first arm near an elbow/forearm of the first arm, and a support area pivot that allows the first support area to pivot relative to the second support area; and (ii) a fluid bowl that retains a fluid, the fluid bowl being secured to the arm support so that the first support area pivots relative to the fluid bowl.
8. The resting device assembly of claim 7 wherein the device frame supports the person above a surface, and wherein at least a portion of the device frame can be moved relative to the surface with a frame mover.
9. The resting device assembly of claim 7 wherein the first support area is pivotable between a first position in which the first support area covers the fluid bowl and a second position in which the first support area does not cover at least a portion of the fluid bowl.
10. The resting device assembly of claim 9 wherein the arm support includes a rigid support base, wherein the fluid bowl slides into a base aperture in the support base, and wherein the fluid bowl includes a tubular section and a booster lip that extends away from the tubular section, the booster lip engaging the support base to support the fluid bowl.
11. The resting device assembly of claim 10 wherein the first support area is pivotably connected to the support base, and the second support area is fixedly connected to the support base.
12. The resting device assembly of claim 7 further comprising (i) a frame bracket, (ii) a frame pivot that connects the frame bracket to the device frame, the frame pivot allowing the frame bracket and the arm support to concurrently pivot relative to the device frame, and (iii) a support arm pivot that connects the arm support to the frame bracket, the support arm pivot allowing the arm support to pivot relative to the frame bracket.
13. The resting device of claim 12 wherein the frame pivot includes a frame lock that selectively locks the frame pivot and inhibits the frame bracket from pivoting relative to the device frame.
14. The resting device assembly of claim 12 wherein the arm support including a hand end and an elbow end, and the support arm pivot connects to the arm support intermediate the hand end and the elbow end so that the hand end and the elbow end pivot about a support arm axis of rotation.
15. A method for supporting a person during a procedure, the person having a first arm and a second arm, the method comprising the steps of:
- supporting the person with a resting device, the resting device including a device frame;
- providing an arm support that supports the first arm;
- providing a frame bracket;
- connecting the frame bracket to the device frame with a frame pivot that allows the frame bracket and the arm support to concurrently pivot relative to the device frame;
- connecting the arm support to the frame bracket with a support arm pivot that allows the arm support to pivot relative to the frame bracket; and
- securing a fluid bowl that retains a fluid to the arm support, the fluid bowl being secured to the arm support so that the first support area pivots relative to the fluid bowl.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the arm support includes a hand end and an elbow end, and wherein the step of connecting includes the step of connecting to the arm support intermediate a hand end and an elbow end of the arm support so that the hand end and the elbow end pivot about a support arm axis of rotation.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein the arm support includes a first support area that supports a hand of the person and a second support area that supports an elbow/forearm of the person, and further comprising the step of pivoting the first support area relative to the second support area.
18. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of pivoting the first support area relative to the second support area between a first position in which the first support area covers the fluid bowl and a second position in which the first support area does not cover at least a portion of the fluid bowl.
19. The resting device assembly of claim 1 wherein the device frame supports the person above a surface, and wherein at least a portion of the device frame can be moved relative to the surface with a frame mover.
20. The resting device of claim 1 wherein the frame pivot includes a frame lock that selectively locks the frame pivot and inhibits the frame bracket from pivoting relative to the device frame.
21. A resting device assembly for supporting a person during a procedure, the person having a first arm, the resting device assembly comprising:
- a resting device that supports the person during the treatment, the resting device including a device frame and a padded region that is selectively moveable between a seated position and a flat bed position; and
- a first armrest including (i) an arm support that supports the first arm, the arm support including a first support area that supports the first arm near a hand of the first arm, a second support area that supports the first arm near an elbow/forearm of the first arm, and a support area pivot that allows the first support area to pivot relative to the second support area, (ii) a frame bracket, (iii) a frame pivot that connects the frame bracket to the device frame, the frame pivot allowing the frame bracket and the arm support to concurrently pivot relative to the device frame, (iv) a support arm pivot that connects the arm support to the frame bracket, the support arm pivot allowing the arm support to pivot relative to the frame bracket, and (v) a removable fluid bowl that retains a fluid, the fluid bowl being selectively secured to the arm support.
22. The resting device assembly of claim 21 wherein the first support area selectively covers the removable fluid bowl.
23. The resting device assembly of claim 22 wherein the first support area is padded.
24. The resting device assembly of claim 21 wherein the first support area is selectively pivotable between a closed position and an open position, the first support area covering the removable fluid bowl when it is in the closed position, and the removable fluid bowl being exposed when the first support area is in the open position.
25. The resting device of claim 21 wherein the frame pivot includes a frame lock that selectively locks the frame pivot and inhibits the frame bracket from pivoting relative to the device frame.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Sep 26, 2006
Date of Patent: Nov 18, 2008
Assignee: Earthlite Massage Tables, Inc. (Vista, CA)
Inventors: Jon W. Roleder (San Diego, CA), William W. Chow (Del Mar, CA), Oscar Mendez (Temecula, CA)
Primary Examiner: Rodney B. White
Attorney: Roeder & Broder LLP
Application Number: 11/526,926
International Classification: A47C 7/54 (20060101); A47C 7/62 (20060101); A61G 15/00 (20060101);